The Rome IndexPiazza Navona
A Baroque square built over the outline of an ancient Roman stadium.
Why it's shaped like that
The piazza traces the exact oval footprint of Domitian's 1st-century stadium, which once hosted athletic contests on the same ground.
What to see
Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers sits at the center, facing a rival church facade by Borromini — the two were famous professional rivals.
Where to sit
Café prices right on the piazza run high for the view; a short walk into the surrounding streets gets the same atmosphere for less.